Beaches

General Rules

• No barbecues, open fires or fireworks are permitted on the beach
• Public use barbecues are available in the park area east of the Port Elgin harbour
• Enclosed tents are not permitted
• Small sun shelters and umbrellas are permitted (maximum 2 metres by 2 metres)
• Dogs are not permitted on the beaches from May to October except in designated dog-friendly areas
• No motorized or electric vehicles on the beach
• Boats are not permitted to moor on or pick-up passengers from shore
• No motorized watercraft in designed swim areas marked by buoys
• Put garbage in provided garbage cans. If they're full, take it with you
• Do not dispose of household garbage or leave broken items beside garbage cans
• Do not feed the wildlife. Geese and seagulls will become more aggressive
• Walk your wheels on the Port Elgin beach promenade and Southampton beach boardwalk
• Stay off the beach grass and dunes. Use designated boardwalks and access points
• No open alcohol
• Avoid loud music that is disruptive to other beachgoers

Dog Beaches

Dogs are not permitted on our beaches between May 1st and October 1st, except in the following locations:

• Saugeen River mouth to High Street flagpole (permitted 6:00 pm to 9:00 am only)
• 538 Izzard Rd. to Concession 6/Bruce Rd. 25 (permitted 6:00 pm to 9:00 am only)
• North end of Eckford Ave. to Saugeen River mouth (permitted 24-7)
• 28 Miramichi Bay Rd. to Elgin St. beach access (permitted 24-7)

View maps of dog beach locations

 Actions Included in the Plan

• Garbage collection
• Litter removal
• Lifesaving station maintenance
• Beach access points
• Beach grooming
• Dunes
• Invasive species control
• Grass cutting
• Parking lot maintenance
• Washroom maintenance
• Water quality testing
• Playground maintenance
• Snow fencing

Learn more about how the WaterWheels work, including access to their instruction manual.

 Port Elgin: The wheelchair can be booked online and is available for pickup through the Harbour Office.

Southampton: The wheelchair can be booked online and is located at 1 Beach Road (Long Dock parking area) for self-service pickup.

There are two booking periods available per day, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Individuals can book the wheelchair for two consecutive periods when available.

A support person is required as the chair cannot be manually pushed by the user due to the large smooth tires.

Book WaterWheels Online

• Assess your participant's/user's ability to swim; non-swimmers must provide and use a lifejacket.
• Do not use the WaterWheels without a support person or in unsafe weather or water conditions. 
• Do not take the WaterWheels to another location. It can be used along the Southampton beach waterfront.  
• Port Elgin: Clean chair by sweeping sand off (using broom provided) and spray down if needed (using tap and hose located outside the storage site). Wipe off any excess moisture (using paper towels provided). This is to be outside before putting the chair in the storage site.  
• Southampton: Clean chair by sweeping sand off (using broom provided) and wiping down with sanitizer wipes provided. 

Lifejacket Loaner Program

Water and Boating Safety Tips

Swimming Safety

• Always swim with a buddy
• Avoid distractions like cellphones, books or electronics
• Directly supervise kids in and around the water
• Stay within arms-length of kids who are swimming
• Do not swim in the harbour
• White and orange buoys mean boats are prohibited
• Do not overestimate your swimming abilities
• Be aware of off-shore breezes especially on floaties or boogie boards; the water may look calm but can quickly pull you out deep
• Plan for, and watch the weather
• Wear a lifejacket on all watercraft
• Learn to swim; it's a life skill

Safe Boating Practices

These safe boating tips are good practice whether operating a motorized or non-motorized watercraft including paddleboards.

• Never boat alone; let someone know when, where and for how long you will be away for
• Connect your leash on stand-up paddle (SUP) boards
• Have a signaling device like a whistle
• Know the conditions before leaving
• No drinking or drugs while boating or boarding
• Wear a lifejacket or PFD
• Keep a safety bucket on board (boats)

If your watercraft is motorized:

• Don't bring your watercraft ashore
• Reduce speed to 10km/hr within 30 metres of shore
• Avoid entering swimming areas
• Float in less busy areas
• Carry your valid boaters license

Waterfront Safety Guide

Request a copy of the guide with best practices for staying safe around the water. Learn more about topics such as:

• Being wave and current smart
• Supervision around water
• Tips to prevent drowning and swim safe
• Water safety statistics
• How to break the grip of a rip tide

 Water Safety Videos

Life Saving Stations: How to Use the Equipment

Along our shoreline we have 38 life saving stations, which are here for the safety of our residents and visitors. In this short video, we'll show you how to use them if the need arises. Together we can keep our beaches safe this summer!

Open Water Safety

Children and families love to spend time around the water and Saugeen shores beaches! To make sure everyone has fun this summer, it's important to know how to stay safe and be Water Smart. Join us as we share how to enjoy a fun, safe day at the beach.

Backyard Pool Safety

Swimming in a backyard pool is a fun way to stay active and keep kids busy on hot days! Watch as we show you how to make sure family and friends stay safe this summer.

 Water Safety Resources

• National Drowning Prevention Week: Safety messages, stats and activities
• Ontario Lifesaving Society: Water and backyard pool safety resources
• Red Cross: Swimming, boating and water safety tips
• Boating Ontario: Safe boating practices